Meaning of Conductus in Music
In music, a conductus refers to a type of medieval vocal composition. It typically consists of one to four voice parts, with the lowest voice part featuring a Latin text set to an invented melody. The other voices accompany the lowest voice part in a homophonic manner. Conductus compositions were often performed during liturgical ceremonies, such as at the end of Mass or the Office, as well as during public readings in chapter houses and monastic refectories .
Medieval singers would often improvise the refrains of the conductus, which served as visual cues for the repetition of music and text. They could change the lyrics, rhythmic delivery, or even create new correspondences between the music and text, showcasing their improvisatory skills. Conductus compositions with larger numbers of stanzas required even more improvisatory skill from the singers.
It is worth noting that the term "conductus" can also be found in other contexts, such as in the etymology of the word or in discussions about the origins and reception of the genre. However, in the context of music, the term primarily refers to the medieval vocal composition described above .
A medieval song with monophonic or polyphonic texture and a Latin text that is rhymed and rhythmic. It is thought to have its origin in the south of France around the end of the 12th century. Used by the Notre Dame composers, it became well established from about 1160 to about 1240, but was replaced by the motet in the second half of the 13th century.
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